Crossing: meaning, definitions and examples

🚸

Add to dictionary

crossing

[ˈkrɒsɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

road

A place where two roads or railway lines cross, typically with a bridge or tunnel to enable pedestrians or vehicles to cross from one side to the other.

Synonyms

crossroad, intersection, junction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
crossing	Used when referring to a place where two roads, paths, or railway tracks cross each other. It is often used in the context of pedestrians crossing a street. Be careful when you're approaching the pedestrian crossing. There's a railway crossing ahead, make sure to stop if the lights are flashing.
intersection	Refers to a place where two or more roads cross each other. Often used in discussions about traffic, urban planning, and road safety. The traffic lights at the intersection make it easier to manage the flow of cars. There's a lot of traffic at the intersection of Main Street and First Avenue.
junction	Mostly used in the context of a place where two or more roads or railways meet, often forming a complex set of routes for traffic. It may refer to larger and more complicated road networks. We need to take the next junction to get onto the highway. The railway junction is a major transit hub for the area.
crossroad	Used to describe places where two or more roads meet and cross each other. It is typically used metaphorically to refer to a crucial point in one's life. Our house is located at the crossroad near the church. She felt she was at a crossroad in her career, unsure of which path to take.

Examples of usage

The car stopped at the railway crossing as the train passed by.
The pedestrian waited for the traffic lights to change at the busy crossing.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

animal behavior

The act of mating or breeding between two different breeds, species, or varieties.

Synonyms

crossbreeding, hybridization, interbreeding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
crossing	As stated before, this can also refer to the intersection of roads or paths. Traffic at the busy crossing can be dangerous during rush hours The crossing was marked with a clear pedestrian crosswalk
hybridization	This is a technical term often used in scientific contexts, particularly genetics, to refer to the process of combining different varieties or species to create hybrids. It's used in botany, zoology, and microbiology. Hybridization in plants can lead to new species with desired traits The researchers studied the hybridization of different fish species
interbreeding	This term typically refers to the breeding between different species, varieties, or populations, often with an emphasis on its genetic consequences. It can carry a negative connotation if referring to unintentional or problematic breeding in wild populations or in-breeding. Interbreeding between wild wolves and domestic dogs can impact the genetics of both populations The conservationists are concerned about the interbreeding of endangered species with more common ones
crossbreeding	This term is used in the context of breeding animals or plants from different varieties or species to create a hybrid. It's mostly used in agriculture, biology, and animal husbandry. Farmers are crossbreeding different types of cattle to improve milk production Crossbreeding can result in stronger, healthier plants

Examples of usage

The farmers observed the crossing between the sheep and goats in the pasture.
The wildlife documentary captured the crossing of a lion and a tiger in the wild.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

river

A place where a river can be crossed, typically by a bridge or ferry.

Synonyms

bridge, ford, passage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
crossing	Used when referring to a place where people or vehicles go across a road, river, etc. It can be a pedestrian crossing or any designated place meant for passing. Always use the pedestrian crossing when you want to cross the road The train crossing is closed due to maintenance
bridge	Used when talking about a structure built over a river, road, or other obstacle to allow people, animals, or vehicles to cross from one side to the other. The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States We have to cross the bridge to reach the other side of the river
ford	Used specifically to refer to a shallow place in a river or stream where one can walk, drive, or ride across. It is often used in rural or outdoor settings. The hikers decided to ford the river at its shallowest point The old map showed a ford to cross the creek
passage	Used when talking about a narrow route, path, or channel that facilitates movement or travel between two places, often implying a sense of journey or difficulty. The explorers found a hidden passage through the mountains The ship navigated through the narrow passage between the islands

Examples of usage

The old stone bridge served as a crossing for villagers to reach the other side of the river.
The ferry provided a convenient crossing for vehicles and pedestrians.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'cross' comes from the Old English 'cros', which means a structure formed by two intersecting lines.
Historically, 'crossing' referred to religious symbols and later expanded to include paths and roads.

Transportation

In busy cities, pedestrian crossings are marked with white lines to ensure safe movement of foot traffic.
Train crossings require special signals and barriers to prevent accidents when trains approach.
The introduction of traffic lights greatly improved safety at road crossings by controlling the flow of vehicles and pedestrians.

Cultural Significance

Many cultures have ceremonies or traditions at crossing points, such as bridges and roads, signifying transitions in life.
Literature often uses crossings as metaphors for important life changes or journeys.

Science

In genetics, 'crossing' can refer to the mating of two organisms to analyze traits passed to the offspring.
Ecology studies how animal crossings (like underpasses) help maintain wildlife populations by preventing road deaths.

Literature

The concept of 'crossings' appears in various literary works, symbolizing the moments of change or the meeting of different worlds.
In poetry, crossings can represent emotional or psychological transitions, deepening the narrative.

Translations

Translations of the word "crossing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cruzamento

🇮🇳 पार करना

🇩🇪 Kreuzung

🇮🇩 penyeberangan

🇺🇦 перехрестя

🇵🇱 skrzyżowanie

🇯🇵 交差点 (kōsaten)

🇫🇷 croisement

🇪🇸 cruce

🇹🇷 kavşak

🇰🇷 교차로 (gyocharo)

🇸🇦 معبر

🇨🇿 křižovatka

🇸🇰 križovatka

🇨🇳 交叉路口 (jiāochālùkǒu)

🇸🇮 križišče

🇮🇸 gatnamót

🇰🇿 қиылыс

🇬🇪 გადასვლა

🇦🇿 kəsişmə

🇲🇽 cruce

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,417, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

...
3414 sheets
3415 split
3416 statutes
3417 crossing
3418 aforesaid
3419 inclined
3420 reveal
...